What Johnson is

Judge the game, not the name. Along with Rams quarterback Sam Bradford, Johnson is perhaps the NFL's most enigmatic player. Ever since the magical "CJ2K" season, analysts have been debating why Johnson has failed to live up to expectations.

The offensive line regressed to the point where it was no longer opening holes. As a result, Johnson got into bad habits. He was too hesitant to hit holes and constantly was seeking the home run at the expense of a single or double. His effort has been questioned ever since he signed a four-year, $53.5 million extension in 2011.

The 28-year-old version of Johnson is a boom-or-bust runner, inconsistent from game to game. He no longer boasts insane lateral agility and record-setting 4.24 speed, but it wouldn't be a surprise if he could still break a 4.40 in the 40-yard dash.

On the positive side, Johnson hasn't missed a game in five years and never has been held under 1,000 rushing yards in a season. How many players can make that same claim at a position that absorbs more punishment than any other? Here's a hint: zero.

What Johnson is not

A chain mover. When Johnson entered the NFL with a bang out of East Carolina, he was a hammer to the hole, churning out tough yards in the trenches like a more slightly built Marion Barber with the added benefit of track-star speed. Those days are gone. Johnson's boom-or-bust style results in an abnormal number of negative plays, putting his quarterback in too many second- or third-and-long situations.

Because of his body type, speed, quickness and background as a wide receiver prospect entering college, Johnson is mistakenly viewed as an elite receiving back. Outside of that 2009 season, though, he has been just a hypothetical threat as a receiver. He drops too many passes, doesn't run a wide variety of routes and hangs out too close to the line of scrimmage, begging for dumpoffs.

Chris Johnson through the years

So what teams make sense for Johnson?

Of Johnson's former offensive coordinators, only Browns quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains is still in the league. Of his former position coaches, only Panthers running backs coach Jim Skipper is with another team.